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What Would You Dream, Sleeping In A Tree? Utila's Only Treehouse

Utila, Honduras

House450 sq. ft.

Bedrooms2

Sleeps4

Bathrooms1

Half Baths0

Min Stay3 - 7 nights

2 bedroom, 2 Bath, sleeps 4

Utila's only Treehouse was hand-crafted by Norwegian carpenter and artist John Arne Løken, to fulfill his dream of a harmonious and resplendent home in the vibrant nature of the tropical Bay Islands. There is no other place like it, on the island, in the world. Romantic, unique, and naturally beautiful.

The house boasts two floors aloft in a giant fig tree. First floor studio contains a full kitchen (oven, fridge, blender, coffee maker, pots, pans, all necessary dishes and silverware, etc.) and dining/living area plus queen bed surrounded by windows facing the eastern shore and sunrise.

The second floor is a full queen bedroom with skylight and stunning views through the glass-paned, easterly facing wall. Both floors have air-conditioners and fans, as well as custom-crafted louvered windows to catch the rich tropical breezes that only a house high in a tree can arrange.

There are three decks, meticulously designed around the fig tree to provide varying degrees of cool, leafy shade, each with its own generous view of rich green vegetation, perfectly set off by blue ocean and sky. From the top deck you can almost touch the whirling gulls, or Milky Way, depending on the time of day. Requisite hammocks provided, of course.

Complete bathroom with hot-water shower is located on the ground level, as well as a refreshing, private outdoor bucket shower on the first elevated deck.

The treehouse is the best of both worlds: extremely private (nestled in the nature of Stuart's Hill, hidden from view and away from the noise and bustle of town) and yet just a few minutes' walk to the commercial center.

The house is situated on the side of Stuart's Hill, and a two-minute walk to the top rewards with its 360-degree view of the island. Just outside of the property lies Utila's Iguana Station, a research center and tourist attraction where you can learn about Utila's endangered endemic iguanas along with myriad other creatures who also call the island home.

Laundry service and maid service are available.

Owner

John Arne and Amanda Løken

Member Since 2012

Premier Partner

This VRBO partner has demonstrated and is committed to fast response times, the best rates, and a great guest experience.

Response rate:

90%

Response time:

within a few days

Speaks:

English, Spanish, Swedish, Norwegian

Calendar last updated:

Aug 14, 2018

About John Arne and Amanda Løken

John Arne first came to Utila in 1997 while on a backpacking trip from Guatemala to Panama. One day, while on a walk, he came across Stuart's Hill and fell in love. He sought out the local owner, begged to buy the property, and never made it to neighboring Nicaragua, let alone Panama. In 2001 John Arne left Norway for good and has called Utila home ever since. He soon began the process of creating the treehouse, his dream home on the rock, a loving vision.
In 2006, a vacationing public radio producer from the USA named Amanda met a handsome Norwegian on his way out of his island house to buy paint thinner. A few months later she would sell all her belongings, quit her job, and move to Utila with nine boxes of books, a suitcase of clothes, and her faithful dog, Ella. There they would make a family, renovate a big yellow house, build the world's largest sensory deprivation room (Float Utila) and rent out a magical treehouse. Didn't see that coming.
Now John Arne and his young family reside in said yellow house, but the treehouse will forever be a creation near and dear to him, something to share with those who are seeking an extraordinary experience.

Bathrooms

Location Type

The treehouse has breathtaking views of the entire eastern shoreline of the island. A two minute walk up the private hill takes you to one of only two 360 degree panoramic vistas on Utila.

Water View

Theme

Romantic

Away From It All

Spa

Adventure

Meals

Guests provide their own meals

General

Telephone

Air Conditioning

Linens Provided

Internet

wireless

Towels Provided

Wireless Internet

Kitchen

Refrigerator

Stove

Coffee Maker

Dishes & Utensils

Kitchen

Dining

Dining Area

Dining

comfy seating for 6 people

Entertainment

Stereo

A small old-school boombox with cable for amplifying your own tunes from your device.

Books

A small library of books and magazines.

Games

Under the dining table there is a secret shelf with boardgames and cards.

Outside

Lawn / Garden

Balcony

Deck / Patio

Suitability

wheelchair inaccessible

Long-term Renters Welcome

Onsite Services

Massage

Private Chef

Attractions

botanical garden

churches

cinemas

library

restaurants

health/beauty spa

festivals

Leisure Activities

whale watching

walking

eco tourism

beachcombing

bird watching

paddle boating

sight seeing

horseback riding

scenic drives

boating

miniature golf

shelling

shopping

wildlife viewing

photography

Local Services & Businesses

ATM/bank

fitness center

groceries

massage therapist

medical services

Sports & Adventure Activities

fly fishing

swimming

cycling

fishing

wind-surfing

water skiing

scuba diving or snorkeling

deepsea fishing

sailing

hiking

pier fishing

snorkeling

sound/bay fishing

spelunking

kayaking

snorkeling/diving

27 Reviews

Exceptional5/5

1 - 6 of 27

Cool place on a fun diving island

5/5

Stayed Sep 2017

John F.

Great place and I would stay again. Loved the outside shower and views. The only downside is it is a bit out of the main town, but we rented transportation from Rooney's and it wasn't a problem at all.

Submitted Sep 24, 2017

Amazing Tree top experience!

5/5

Stayed Feb 2017

Joy T.

My husband and I stayed in the Treehouse for a week and it was hands down the most unique, and beautiful place I've ever stayed! It's even more amazing than the photos and Tina and JJ went above and beyond to ensure we had a great trip. We don't dive but still had a ton to do on Utila including kayaking through the mangroves, exploring the island on the ATV we rented, eating at all the delicious restaurants, snorkeling and relaxing in the hammocks of the beautiful decks. The house's location couldn't be better: complete seclusion and privacy but very close to the adorable, clean and safe town of Utila. I was a little nervous that I may be too bug averse for something so adventurous, but the home is just that... truly a home in a tree versus camping like conditions and I'm glad that concern didn't deter me from this once in a lifetime experience. Thanks for sharing this amazing experience with us! -Joy and Zack

Submitted Feb 27, 2017

Everything we hoped for.

5/5

Stayed Feb 2017

Rick H.

Secluded, private, quiet, natural setting on an island with some of the best diving ever. Short walk into town for excellent local cuisine with lots to see above water, (find the Jade Sea Horse"...) and always felt welcome and safe. Excellent support from the owners and property managers.

Submitted Feb 18, 2017

One of a kind experience

5/5

Stayed Nov 2016

Cory S.

We stayed at the treehouse last week and it was such a unique experience. I highly recommend a stay here!! Property managers Tina and JJ were exceptionally excellent and made our stay that much more wonderful. Internet went out and they took care of it immediately.

Stay here! You will not regret it.

Submitted Nov 19, 2016

What a magical stay!!

5/5

Stayed May 2016

TJ H.

I cannot even begin to describe our amazing stay at the tree house. It far exceeded my expectations. The property and the house itself is absolutely beautiful. My boyfriend (now fiance- thanks to the tree house) and I went diving during the day and loved to come back to the tree house in the evenings to enjoy the view from the top deck with a glass of wine in hand. I was hesitant about staying in the tree house at first, especially with the mention of the tarantula, but I fell in love with it as soon as JJ and Tina gave us the tour. Compared to the hostels we had stayed at in the week prior, this was like a luxury hotel. It was peaceful and quiet, away from the noisy downtown area. If you are visiting Utila, this is a MUST SEE! It was the highlight of our two weeks in Honduras and the most memorable trip of our lives. I cannot wait to return. Thank you John and Amanda for sharing this lovely property with others. :) xoxo, Liz and TJ

Submitted Jun 15, 2016

A very beautiful property with the extremely rare opportunity to stay in a unique treehouse!

5/5

Stayed May 2016

Mike R.

My wife of almost 3 years and I finally went on our honeymoon and stayed here for 5 of our 11 days on the island. We had a great stay in this one of a kind treehouse! This is on pristine property with coconut, papaya, and mango trees. The views from anywhere in the house or from the decks are absolutely amazing! This place will make you feel like a kid again. It is built into and surrounded by a huge fig tree that is full of life. The view from the upper deck will make you feel like Tarzan, looking over the top of the jungle all the way to the ocean! It is beautifully built with much care and heart, and gave us a back to nature feeling. It was very relaxing and soothing to be there. It is located on the edge of town, nicely secluded but close enough to walk everywhere we went. The restaurants, shopping, groceries, watering holes, and public beach are all within walking distance. The home had everything we needed and was in great condition and very clean. They even had fresh flowers and wine for us! We just brought in some groceries and were set. You can even have them delivered! The owners and managers(JJ and Tina) are all awesome people who we were happy to have met and very helpful. They made it easy for us to reach them for anything by providing a cell phone with their numbers in it. They really went to unbelievable lengths to make sure we were happy and having a great stay, and we would recommend this to anyone who needs a relaxing getaway in a beautiful natural setting.

Mike and Ericka, MT

Submitted Jun 3, 2016

1 - 6 of 27

Map

Utila, Honduras

The treehouse is located in a large fig tree on the eastern side of Stuart's Hill, Utila's second highest point. It was custom built by Norwegian owner John Arne Løken, a trained carpenter, craftsman and artist. The treehouse is the only building on Stuart's Hill, heralded for its panoramic view of the entire island and a sought after spot for sunsets.

Availability

Additional information about rental rates

Cleaning Fee

$50

Additional Guest Fee

$15

Base rate quoted is for two guests. $15 per additional guest for up to four guests total. Children under age 10 not allowed, for safety reasons. No refund without 30 days cancellation notice.